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Downtown Glen Ellyn to celebrate local sounds, tastes of summer

By MARY BETH VERSACI -
mversaci@shawmedia.com

Aug. 29, 2013

GLEN ELLYN – Downtown Glen Ellyn will come alive with summer spirit Labor Day weekend, as residents enjoy a last hurrah of the season with the Alliance of Downtown Glen Ellyn's "Sounds on the Street" on Aug. 30.

The event will transform Main Street between Hillside Avenue and Duane Street into a community picnic, bringing attendees outside with food and drinks from downtown restaurants to enjoy a free concert by local musicians.

"It's a great night," Alliance Executive Director Carol White said. "It's easy and can include the whole family."

This is Blackberry Market's first time participating in Sounds on the Street, and staff from the new restaurant couldn't be happier to continue to build their relationship with the community and other businesses.

"We're just so thankful and happy with the community," said Sherry Flugel, head of training at Blackberry Market.

Blackberry Market typically closes at 8 p.m. on Fridays, but it will stay open later for the event. The restaurant's full menu wil be available until 8 p.m. After that, visitors may purchase grab-and-go items that have been specially prepared for Sounds on the Street.

Another new business will be part of the festivities as well.

Students from School of Rock's Glen Ellyn location, which opened in May, will perform in the event's free concert.

Young people from the "Rock 101" class will play at 7 p.m., after which the school's Adult Program will perform at 7:15 p.m.

The School of Rock teaches students to play instruments through performing live for audiences.

"What you learn by playing live on stage is 10 times the value of rehearsal," said Adam Mackintosh, regional manager for School of Rock's Chicago area schools.

Local Favorite will headline Sounds on the Street and will take the stage at 8 p.m.

The band's name is especially appropriate, given that four of its members hail from Glen Ellyn.

"It's always exciting to play in your hometown," said Frank Whiting of Glen Ellyn, who sings and plays guitar in Local Favorite.

The group tries to play something for everyone, performing songs that range from classic rock and Motown to Top 40 and modern country.

Last year, more than 2,000 people attended Sounds on the Street, which is twice the number that attended in 2011. While White said it would be exciting to follow the trend and increase by another 1,000 attendees this year, she wasn't sure if that expectation is realistic.

But no matter how many turn out for the event, she expects everyone will have a good time.

If you go
What: Sounds on the Street
When: 7 to 10:30 p.m., Aug. 30
Where: Main Street between Hillside Avenue and Duane Street
Cost: Free admission; varying food and drink costs at local restaurants
Parking: Lot directly west of the event will be open; guests must enter from Glenwood Avenue instead of Main Street.
Additional info: No outside alcohol will be allowed. Tables and chairs will be provided. Guests are welcome to bring their own chairs.

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